Someone’s Knockin’ at the Door; It’s Time for Winter to Go!

*Someone’s knockin’ at the door.

It starts with an early heat wave that reminds us Winter’s long stay is nearly over. As I peek out the window, I see glimpses of her green cloak blowing on the breeze, and my hostas, like upside-down green spiked heels, are poking through around the garden.

Somebody’s ringin’ the bell.

She’s becoming more persistent and I beg Winter to pack his bags. Enough with your cold and snow already! Spring has booked this room for the next few months and she’s waiting at the door.

Here in southwest Michigan, Spring is springing! She’s donned her redbud trees with purple jewels (I wonder why they aren’t called Purplebuds?). My favorite tree of all–the dogwood–holds its blossoms in tight little fists, ready at any moment to open that door, throw open its hands with pink and white whisps and yell, “Surprise! I’m here!”

Wherever you find yourself on this planet, I hope you too find a beautiful season knocking at your door.

Do me a favor. Open the door. And let ‘em in.

Let her beauty enter your heart today. Discover her charm. Allow nature to tell you stories of a great Creator. In our neck of the woods, it’s a story of promise–of new life and joy after a cold, dead winter.

Speaking of spring stories, have you heard the legend of the Dogwood tree? There are several reasons it’s my favorite tree, and this legend is one of them! Read on…

The following is an excerpt from my book, Lent through the Little Things: Encountering Jesus in Life’s Ordinary Moments.

My husband and I spent our April honeymoon in Tennessee. As we drove down from the northwest corner of Indiana and made our way toward Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains, we watched as the trees changed from brown to green and the flowers appeared in stunning colors. Best of all were the dogwood trees.

I hadn’t really paid much attention to dogwoods before that. But in mid-April Tennessee, one can’t ignore them. The dogwoods, along with redbud trees, are in their peak blooming season at that time.

I soon learned to recognize and love the dogwood trees at home as well. Their light petals floating in the air bring a lightness that lifts my spirit.

It wasn’t until years later that I learned about the Legend of the Dogwood, a story born out of the early Christians’ love for their Lord. Although the tree has a small trunk and twisted branches, according to legend, it was once the strongest tree in the Middle East. So strong that its wood was used to make the cross on which the Roman soldiers crucified Jesus.

The legend tells how upset the tree was that its wood was used for killing. Jesus promised the tree that it would no longer grow tall and strong, so its wood couldn’t be used for a cross again.

The dogwood’s flowers form the shape of a cross with four petals, two longer and two shorter ones. On the outside edges of the petals are small holes, or indentations, reminiscent of the nail holes in Jesus’ hands. These “holes” even have a tinge of red or brown, reminding us of Jesus’ shed blood. In the center of the flower is a small green cluster that resembles our Lord’s crown of thorns.

The story is a legend, but I am drawn to the creativity of those early Christians and the love they had for their Savior. I’m also drawn to the beauty of the dogwood tree. Every spring, I look forward to seeing it blossom in praise of its maker.

I hope dogwood trees grow in your neck of the woods. If they do, when you see them bloom this spring, remember the cross. Stop and give thanks to our Creator God for the details he masterfully formed in his creation. Then thank him for the gift of his Son. As the petals float gently on the twisted branches, let your heart be lifted, knowing that your sins have been washed away.

*lyrics from “Let ‘Em In” by Paul McCartney

What people are saying about Lent through the Little Things:

Text from Pam: I’ll never look at a dogwood the same, thanks to you!

And these reviews on Amazon:

Kathy says: This is a wonderful Lenten devotional! Linda has a satisfying way of connecting ordinary things, places, and events with the spiritual, and does so in a way that makes one want to keep reading! Refreshing reminders for all year long -- really! I'm very much enjoying this book, and encourage people to buy it for themselves and for gifts.

“C” says: I just finished Linda Hanstra's book "Lent Through the Little Things.". Each day’s message and scripture looks at something practical in everyday life that reflects the perfect love of Jesus; each truth is a gem that prepares the heart to receive the beautiful gift of salvation. This is a fine Lenten devotional that has truly kept me focused during the weeks leading up to the most joyous day of all - Easter Sunday Note: this would also make a great 40-day devotional for any time of year- it’s always a good time to see God all around us!

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Thank you so much, my friends!! Your reviews are so encouraging to me and might help others find their way to my words. I can’t thank you enough!

(This story was originally published on 4/29/23, at lindahanstra.substack.com.)